Ryle blanks Christian in state opener

Sophomore right-hander Ali Crupper tossed a shutout and drove in the only run in Ryle’s 1-0 win over Christian County in the Raiders’ state tournament opener in Owensboro on Thursday.

Ryle freshman shortstop Haylee Smith led off the top of the sixth with a single, and she eventually scored when Crupper lifted a fly ball to left field with one out.

Crupper tossed a four-hit shutout, walking three and fanning six. She allowed two baserunners in each of the final two innings but was able to wiggle out of both jams.

Ryle will play North Laurel (36-5) in the second round at 9 a.m. on Friday.

RYLE HS 000-001-0—1 4 0
CHRISTIAN 000-000-0—0 4 0

WP: Crupper (18-6). LP: Matchen (13-6). HITTING LEADER: CC—Matchen 2B. RECORDS: Ryle 21-13, Christian County 31-7.